Punch Brothers’ Chris Thile to Be New Host of ‘A Prairie Home Companion’

A Prairie Home Companion creator and host Garrison Keillor will step down from his role on the American Public Media show after 40 years behind the microphone. Punch Brothers frontman Chris Thile will serve as his replacement.

Keillor recently confirmed that Thile would take over as Prairie Home’s host. The Mandolin Café then spoke to Thile, who said, “Everything Garrison said is true, and I’m really excited.” Ahead of Keillor’s retirement, he will help Thile make the transition by sharing hosting duties and maintaining a role as writer and executive producer in the interim.

The Punch Brothers have appeared on the Saint Paul, Minn.-based show several times in recent memory, and Thile has guest-hosted twice this year alone.

“Chris Thile is a gifted artist and a great musical enthusiast of far-ranging interests,” Keillor said of Thile ahead of his previous stints as Prairie Home's guest host. “He is a great choice to host two shows in February… and I look forward to sitting at home and listening to them.”

Watch the Punch Brothers perform “My Oh My” and “Boll Weevil” from this year's The Phosphorescent Blues during the band's February appearance on Prairie Home below: